Fluoride Park City, UT
Importance of Fluoride in Dental Care
There are far fewer cavities in teeth today than there were 20 years ago. There are many reasons why this is so, the most significant is the increased use of fluoride.
For most teenagers and adults there are three ways to take advantage of fluoride in addition to the fluoride in our toothpaste:
- Act or Fluorigard – These are over-the-counter fluoride rinses that have a pleasant taste and are relatively inexpensive. They do not require a prescription, are very safe, and will reduce decay up to 25 – 40 % if used regularly.
- Prevident – This is a highly concentrated fluoride gel that requires a prescription from us. It obviously must be obtained from a pharmacy so there is usually more expense involved. If it is used regularly as directed it will reduce decay up to 50 – 60%.
- Prevident in custom fluoride trays – This is by far the most effective way to take advantage of the effects of fluoride. If used daily for five to 10 minutes it will reduce decay up to 80%. This requires a prescription as well as custom trays made by us at a cost of $135.
Fluoride tablets
If you have a child between the ages of 3 years and 14 years you may want to give them fluoride tablets or drops. Studies have shown this to make the permanent teeth much more resistant to decay because the fluoride gets incorporated right into the enamel as it is formed on the tooth. You must have a prescription from us to receive these, but the cost is usually quite low. The following are daily dosages for patients living in areas where there is less than .3ppm fluoride in the water. (All water in the Summit County area has less than .3ppm in the drinking water except Oakley [more than .6ppm], and Bridge Hollow Coalville City, Echo Mutual, Peoa Pipeline Company, Summit Co Service #3 [.3-.6ppm])
Summit County residents should receive:
- Age 6 mo – 3 years = .25mg
- Age 3 years to 6 years = .5mg
- Age 6 years to 14 years = 1 mg
Age0.3 ppm F0.3-0.6 ppm F> 0.5 ppm F
| Birth – 6 months | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 6 mo – 3 years | 0.25 mg | 0 | 0 |
| 3-6 years | 0.50 mg | 0.25 mg | 0 |
| 6-16 years | 1.00 mg | 0.50 mg | 0 |
These are very low dosages and are very safe. These medications, like all other prescription medications, must be closely monitored so that no more than the recommended dose is taken. It is also important to let us know if your child receives fluoride from other sources, such as drinking water or prescription vitamins.
